The New York Islanders claimed Evgeni Nabokov off waivers when he was returning to North American from the KHL. Nabokov had signed with the Detroit Red Wings in 2011… Nabokov’s intention was never to play for the New York Islanders, and yet he’s been in New York for three years since.
That’s all coming to a close, though. Newsday reports Nabokov rejected the Islanders contract offer (a one-year deal.) It’s not etched in stone that he’s going to depart to another NHL team, but with how Evgeni was often made the scapegoat on a woeful Islanders team (and though his goaltending was suspect at times) it might be wiser for him to seek a backup role elsewhere.
Nabby posted a .905 save percentage and a 2.74 GAA with the Isles last season in 40 appearances. he’ll turn 37 39 in late July.
